Wall Street gained amid optimism that a US-led military strike against Syria might be avoided and as China produced more signs that its economy is gathering steam. President Barack Obama told ABC News that a US attack “absolutely” would be put on hold if Syrian President Bashar el-Assad would give up the country’s chemical weapons. Even so, “I don’t think …

The New Zealand and Australian dollars advanced as investors took heart from improving Chinese data and easing tensions over Syria. The kiwi touched a three-week high of 80.75 US cents early this morning, and traded at 80.64 cents at 8am in Wellington, from 80.44 cents at the 5pm market close yesterday. The Australian dollar rose to an 11-week high of …

New Zealand shares rose again, with direction given by Diligent Board Member Services, which appears to be re-rating ahead of a delayed earnings announcement and following stock exchange censure, amid a positive tone across major stocks. The NZX 50 Index rose 13.738 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,627.757. Within the index, 15 stocks rose, 14 fell, and 21 were unchanged. …